Had the same problem with mine for a couple weeks now. Been ignoring it, be interested to see what it could be.
Hissing from front wheel.
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5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Brick, NJ
Hissing from front wheel.
I have an '04 Road King.
A few weeks ago I started to hear a very low volume hissing sound (like something rubbing?) coming from my front wheel. When I applied the front brake it went away. I figured it was like the sound my old cars used to make when the brake pads were wearing, so I replaced the front brake pads. It went away for a few days but now it's back. Any ideas? Front axle bearings?
I used sintered pads.
A few weeks ago I started to hear a very low volume hissing sound (like something rubbing?) coming from my front wheel. When I applied the front brake it went away. I figured it was like the sound my old cars used to make when the brake pads were wearing, so I replaced the front brake pads. It went away for a few days but now it's back. Any ideas? Front axle bearings?
I used sintered pads.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 154
From: Buffalo, NY
Gary, it is the pads rubbing on the rotors. It's OK, it is what they do.........normal. When you release the brake handle, the caliper retracts but there is nothing to pull the pad off the rotor, so there is always some contact and "hissing".
Also if your 04 brakes squeal like my 04 did, reverse the rotors from each side and it goes away. I just did that a month ago not expecting much and it worked out great. Where's the picture of your ride?
Also if your 04 brakes squeal like my 04 did, reverse the rotors from each side and it goes away. I just did that a month ago not expecting much and it worked out great. Where's the picture of your ride?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 6,322
Likes: 2,500
From: Tennessee
It's your brake pads rubbing on the rotors....Normal.
+1 on the wheel bearing inspection....I replace mine every time I replace my tires.
The sealed bearings are a weak link, but if you buy them at a bearing dealer instead of a Harley dealer, They're pretty cheap.
I usually buy a box of them at a time and just keep'em on the shelf with the other parts, gaskets, seals, filters, fluids and stuff that I keep in stock in the garage.
+1 on the wheel bearing inspection....I replace mine every time I replace my tires.
The sealed bearings are a weak link, but if you buy them at a bearing dealer instead of a Harley dealer, They're pretty cheap.
I usually buy a box of them at a time and just keep'em on the shelf with the other parts, gaskets, seals, filters, fluids and stuff that I keep in stock in the garage.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 36
From: Houston, TX
It's your brake pads rubbing on the rotors....Normal.
+1 on the wheel bearing inspection....I replace mine every time I replace my tires.
The sealed bearings are a weak link, but if you buy them at a bearing dealer instead of a Harley dealer, They're pretty cheap.
I usually buy a box of them at a time and just keep'em on the shelf with the other parts, gaskets, seals, filters, fluids and stuff that I keep in stock in the garage.
+1 on the wheel bearing inspection....I replace mine every time I replace my tires.
The sealed bearings are a weak link, but if you buy them at a bearing dealer instead of a Harley dealer, They're pretty cheap.
I usually buy a box of them at a time and just keep'em on the shelf with the other parts, gaskets, seals, filters, fluids and stuff that I keep in stock in the garage.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 6,322
Likes: 2,500
From: Tennessee
It's funny you say that...I was just researching that this weekend because I'm almost out of new bearings for the Dyna.
I found the bearings, now I'm looking for the seals....Then I need to take a wheel off and make sure there's room for the bearing and the seal in there.
I have aftermarket wheels that were on this bike when I bought it and have never really done anything but stuff new bearings in them.
I guess I'll find out soon enough 'cause I'm gonna need a new front tire pretty soon.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
It's your brake pads rubbing on the rotors....Normal.
+1 on the wheel bearing inspection....I replace mine every time I replace my tires.
The sealed bearings are a weak link, but if you buy them at a bearing dealer instead of a Harley dealer, They're pretty cheap.
I usually buy a box of them at a time and just keep'em on the shelf with the other parts, gaskets, seals, filters, fluids and stuff that I keep in stock in the garage.
+1 on the wheel bearing inspection....I replace mine every time I replace my tires.
The sealed bearings are a weak link, but if you buy them at a bearing dealer instead of a Harley dealer, They're pretty cheap.
I usually buy a box of them at a time and just keep'em on the shelf with the other parts, gaskets, seals, filters, fluids and stuff that I keep in stock in the garage.
My old Timken bearings are still on the job after 20 years. Well, to be sure, one set was replaced at 127,000 miles and the other wheel still has the original bearings at 187,000.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 36
From: Houston, TX
MY God, what has this world come to when you have to replace wheel bearings at every tire change?
My old Timken bearings are still on the job after 20 years. Well, to be sure, one set was replaced at 127,000 miles and the other wheel still has the original bearings at 187,000.
My old Timken bearings are still on the job after 20 years. Well, to be sure, one set was replaced at 127,000 miles and the other wheel still has the original bearings at 187,000.
